It has been a difficult time for several families and for ICA this past week. In addition to the physical things that happened, destructive criticism of individuals and the school has taken place. This is personal, because people are on both sides of this situation, many comments have been hurtful and damaging, whether it was intended or not. I believe instead that this time is a time for prayer, spiritual growth, and support for those involved, rather than attacking people or blaming them.
Prayer should be a beginning point. Pray that God would work in all the lives involved—those who did this action, the families of these individuals, school officials, teachers, and students—none of us have arrived and God intends that this should be a growing experience for His glory. Pray that these young people would learn a vital lesson. Pray that the school would learn how to better minister to its students and would be able to better direct hearts to Christ. Pray for the spiritual encouragement of the families that have faced immense suffering and personal criticism. Pray that Christ would be exalted and glorified and that we would think of him before we think of our hurts.
Suffering is oftentimes God’s mechanism for spiritual growth. I believe that there are several things that we all can learn during this time of suffering. 2 Corinthians 12 gives us these points of learning: 1) God uses suffering to reveal our spiritual condition (vv.5-6), 2) God uses suffering to humble us (v. 7), 3) God uses suffering to draw us to himself (v. 8), 4) God uses suffering to display His grace (v. 9), and 5) God uses suffering to perfect His power in us (v. 9). May all of us during this time see our need for spiritual growth and let us draw nigh to God with tender hearts of change.
Support for those involved is equally important. There are many who are hurting, not just those who have had this action done to them. Emotions are running high. People feel betrayed, forsaken, alone, unloved, and confused. Many of those hurting are friends of those who committed this act and love the school that they have been a part of. We need to support all who have been involved. At this point, many have only thought of themselves and of their hurt. Rather than being a time of isolation, it should be a time of unification—placing differences aside. I believe that many of us, deep down, want the same thing. We desire that God would do a work in hearts, not only of the individuals, but also others that are involved, and that God would bring order quickly to this chaotic situation in the school.
Rather than discussing and posting our opinions on this subject, let’s remember that there are people involved—people who feel attacked and who are hurting. Instead, let us pray and grow spiritually and support those who are going through this difficult time.
